RESUMEN
The war imprisonment is a traumatic experience which is generally considered to have a potential to cause various psychical difficulties, in particular the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During the aggression on Croatia, several thousands of Croatian soldiers and civilians were held in Serbian detention camps where they were tortured to extent of extreme stress. In this paper, the authors researched psychical effects of stress in former war prisoners. Examinees were observed in three separate groups. The first group was formed of all former prisoners of war (a total of 1458) that went through several medical examinations, including psychiatric one, after their release from detention camps. Examinations were performed at the University Clinic for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljevic" in Zagreb, in period from November 1991 to September 1992. The second group consisted of 82 former prisoners randomly chosen from a total of 735 prisoners released from the "Sremska Mitrovica" camp in August 1992. The third group contained 37 prisoners from "Manjaca" camp out of 100 invited to the control examination 6 months after their release. A classic psychiatric diagnostic interview was performed in all of the examinees immediately after their release, and in the 2nd and the 3rd group the modified Watson's PTSD questionnaire was also used in addition. In the 2nd group, prisoners were questioned immediately after they were released. Using classical psychiatric interview, a specific psychiatric diagnosis could have been established in 20% cases. Psychiatric symptoms were observed in 30-40% examinees (in 36% of former "Manjaca" camp prisoners). Through the use of Watson's questionnaire, a PTSD diagnosis was established in 85.7% (70 out of 82) prisoners of the 2nd group, and in 27% of the 3rd investigated group of prisoners. Former prisoners examined after release (the 2nd group) showed significantly higher prevalence of PTSD symptoms. All PSTD symptoms were found in more than 50% cases of the 2nd group, while in the 3rd group none of the symptoms were found in more then half of examinees. Results are discussed and one among the direct conclusions is that former prisoners of war, expecting their problems to disappear spontaneously, are unwilling to seek for psychiatric help.
Asunto(s)
Prisioneros , Trastornos por Estrés Postraumático/psicología , Guerra , Adulto , Croacia , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , YugoslaviaRESUMEN
After an earlier analysis of mortality and causes of death in the rural community Belec for the period from 1977 to 1981, analysis was repeated for the period from 1983 to 1987. In the meantime, in 1984, the Health Committee and the Guidance Clinic for Hypertension were founded, as important elements of Comprehensive Programme for Fighting Non-infectious Chronic Diseases in Basic Population Groups of Belec Study, started in 1981. The order of causes of death did not change significantly in the period analyzed. However, 12% decrease of the crude death rate was noted, as well as the decrease of both cardiovascular diseases death rate (33%) and malignant neoplasms death rate (17%). Cerebrovascular diseases death rate increased for 3%. At the same time, data for the Republic of Croatia show an increase of 16% of crude death rate, as well as an increase of cardiovascular diseases death rate (20%), cerebrovascular diseases death rate (24%) and malignant neoplasms death rate (11%). Results suggest positive impact of the Programme.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/prevención & control , Mortalidad , Causas de Muerte , Croacia/epidemiología , HumanosRESUMEN
As part of a comprehensive programme aimed at the struggle against chronic non-infectious diseases in basic population groups, an intervention model in the rural community Belec has been set up. The development, application and evaluation of this intervention model with an emphasis on positive experiences and difficulties connected with such a model have been described. The role of important parts of the programme has been emphasized--the work of the Health Committee and Guidance Clinic of Elevated Blood Pressure. The results show that there is necessary and possible to efficaciously involve the population of the community into the priority assessment, planning, application and follow-up of such a programme. However, the close cooperation with the local health service and other community sectors and their support is indispensible. It is also stressed that the economic and social development of the rural community is the prerequisite for the continuous intervention measures to be carried out and health care system promoted.
Asunto(s)
Servicios de Salud Comunitaria , Promoción de la Salud , Hipertensión/prevención & control , Atención Primaria de Salud , Croacia , Humanos , Salud RuralRESUMEN
The present situation in Croatia and the principles of displaced person camp organization are described. Displaced person care has become the urgent problem imposed on the Croatian social service and health care system. The up to now work has revealed that their is a need for more precise categorization of displaced persons in order that a comprehensive registration system be developed. The number of registered displaced persons in Croatia up to 26 September 1991 is quoted. Based on problems noted in the organization of displaced person camps, elements of organization and known principles of health care system in Croatia, a new model of displaced person camp organization is proposed.